Iron Supplements Reduce Behavior Problems in Low Birth Weight Infants

12/10/2012For Release: December 10, 2012

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study in Pediatrics found giving iron supplements to low birth weight infants
reduces the risk of behavior problems later in life. The study, “Effects of Iron Supplementation on LBW Infants on Cognition and Behavior at 3 Years,” is
published in the January 2013 issue and released online Dec. 10, 2012. In the
randomized controlled trial, researchers in Sweden gave 285 marginally low birth
weight infants either 0, 1 or 2 mg/kg/day of iron supplements from 6 weeks to 6
months of age. At age 3 and a half, these infants and 95 infants who had a
normal birth weight were assessed for intelligence and behavior. There were no
significant differences in IQ between the low birth weight groups and the
normal-weight control group. However, for behavioral problems, there was a
significant effect from the iron supplements. Of the low birth weight infants
who received no iron supplements, 12.7 percent showed signs of behavior
problems, compared to 2.9 percent of infants in the 1-mg group and 2.7 percent
of the 2-mg group. In the control group, 3.2 percent of children showed signs of
behavioral problems. Study authors conclude the results demonstrate long-term
health benefits of early iron supplementation of otherwise healthy, marginally
low birth weight infants.

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The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 60,000
primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists and
pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety and
well-being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults. For more
information, visit www.aap.org.